Acoustical cabinet for office business machines



April 30, 1963 e. A. REED ET AL 3,087,573

ACOUSTICAL CABINET FOR OFFICE BUSINESS MACHINES Filed March 20, 1961 '2 Sheets-Sheet 1 u f/ 16 a Z6 70 26 IINVENTORS.

April 30, 1963 G. A. REED ET AL 3,087,578

ACOUSTICAL CABINET FOR OFFICE BUSINESS MACHINES Filel March 20, 1961 U2 Sheets-Sheet 2 M I 17 r 46 27 2s 28 W .8 7 5/ 53 6 $2 2 INVENTORS.

ATTORNEY-'9.

l l I I United States Patent 3,087,578 ACOUSTICAL CABINET FOR OFFICE BUSINESS MACHINES George A. Reed and Dexter Rosen, Williamsville, N.Y., assignors to Gates Acoustinet, Inc., Tonawanda, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Mar. 20, 1961, Ser. No. 96,831 8 Claims. (Q1. 181-33) This invention relates to an acoustical cabinet for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of an office business machine, and more particularly to an acoustical cabinet especially adapted for use with a table model oilice business machine, such as a Teletype or key punch machine, and having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys.

In dealing with the sound produced by the operation of such machines the most difficult problem to solve is the reduction of the noise produced by the impact between the paper on the platen and the type bars or similar devices actuated by the manipulative keys. This results in a relatively high frequency clatter which exhibits distinctly directional sound characteristics of lobular form. Such a lobular sound pattern can best be described by analogy to a sunflower, with the eye of the flower corresponding to the cross-section of the platen and the leaves corresponding to the lobular sounds. However, this pattern is not restricted to a single plane, say normal to the axis of the platen; rather, it is more in the nature of a surface of revolution, as would be formed by revolving the sunflower about its diameter through 360 degrees.

In addition, in attempting to effectively solve this noise problem a concurrent design problem arises. This problem is how to permit access to and normal operation of such machines without making the sound reducing device unduly large and complex, with a consequent excessive increase in manufacturing cost.

While numerous attempts have been made in the past to reduce the noise produced by the operation of such office business machines, they have not been effective because of the failure to properly analyze both the noise and design problems involved. As a consequence, such prior art noise reducing devices have been either ineffective in reducing the aforesaid clatter type of noise, or they are unduly cumbersome and complex, as well as excessive in cost, and often do not permit ready access to and normal operation of the machine.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an acoustical cabinet which is so constructed and designed as to efficiently, effectively :and economically reduce noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of such an oflice business machine, especially a table model machine such as a Teletype or key punch machine, and having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, while permitting ready access to and normal operation of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide an acoust-ical cabinet which is so constructed and designed as to be simple yet rugged in construction, light in weight, economical to manufacture, and easy to install and to use, as well as readily adapted for use with a variety of such existing oflice business machines, without requiring any modification or alteration thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following de tailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cabinet constituting a preferred embodiment of the invention and including a shell, a visor and tab thereon in an operative position, means including arms for pivotally mounting the visor on the shell, and front and rear stops for limiting movement of the visor, the oilice business machine being shown in phantom in the shell for illustrative purposes only;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the cabinet illustrated in FIG. 1, and illustrates an operative position of the visor tab in solid lines, and an inoperative position thereof in broken lines;

FIG. '3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, and illustrates the interior construction of the shell, the visor in operative position engaging a front stop, a rear stop, and the visor tab in operative position in full lines and in inoperative position in broken lines;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrates the visor in inoperative position engaging a rear stop and the vistor tab in inoperative position, and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, and illustrates the details of the pivotal mounting of a visor arm on the shell.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly FIG. "1, an acoustical cabinet constituting a preferred embodiment of the invention is generally indicated at 10. This cabinet preferably includes a sound absorbing shell 11 arranged to enclose an office business machine M, the shell 11 having pivotally mounted thereon a transparent, sound-reflecting Visor 12. The means for pivotally mounting the visor 12 on the shell 11 is generally indicated at 13.

Fhe oflice business machine M which is shown enclosed within the shell 11 is actually a table model Teletype machine, such machine being manufactured by the Teletype Corporation. The machine M, which both sends and receives messages over a telephone line, say between the main land a branch office of a corporation, includes a plurality of manipulatable elements such as keys E for sending such messages, and a platen P which is strikable by type bars or equivalent devices (not shown) actuated by the keys E. The platen is carried by a carriage (not shown) which, as in practically all typewriters, whether automatic, electrically operated or mechanically operated, is designed to move transversely of the keys for the typing of messages. The particular machine illustrated is designed to take continuous forms F and has attached at the left end thereof a mechanism known as a read-punch and reader head, R, the latter being designed to operate through a tape T.

For example, such a machine M could be used for simultaneously typing up bills on continuous preprinted forms F, and transmitting a record of such bills toanother office, the tape T being of the punch card variety and containing the names and addresses of the customers. Thus, a typical operation would include automatic operation of the sending machine M in one ofiice by means of the mechanism R wherein the customers names and addresses would be automatically typed on the forms F, while the typist would then insert the amount of the bills by manually manipulating the elements E, and the receiver machine would simultaneously be actuated to record the entire operation in the other oflice.

However, just as in any other typewriter or similar machine, the noise produced by the operation thereof is objectionable, especially the clatter type of noise referred to above. While such machine may be provided with a sound absorbing pad or the like (not shown) on which it rests, this is only effective in reducing the low frequency, resonant noise which is transmitted to its support, such as table top TI, and has no reducing effect on the aforesaid clatter type of noise, which is of relatively high frequency and exhibits distinctly directional characteristics of lobular form, as noted above. To such noise reduction the present invention is primarily directed, but it is also effective for mufiiing other noise, such as that caused by the operation of motors, carriage drive mechanisms, carriage travel to tabs or stops, and the like.

In describing the invention in detail, reference will first be had to the design and construction of the shell 11, and then reference will be made to the construction of visor As also seen in FIGS. 2-4, the cabinet 11 is preferably molded from suitable material such as polyester resin reinforced with glass fibers, although any other suitable mode and material of construction may be used. The shell 11 is composed of a generally horizontal top wall portion 14, a generally vertical rear Wall portion 15, and generally vertical end wall portions 16 and 17, these various wall portions preferably being rounded at their edges to form smooth curved junctures withone another.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the-rear wall portion'15 is provided with a lower slot 18 through which the forms F enter the shell 11, and an upper slot 20 through which the typed forms F pass out of the shell. Rear wall portion 15 is also provided with a pair of laterally spaced rear stops 21 which are preferably made of suitable rigid material, such as sheet metal embedded in the rear wall portion, and are arranged a short distance below top Wall portion 14 adjacent end wall portions 16 and 17. The leading or salient edges of stops 21 may be provided with a facing of resilient material, such as rubber, for cushioning engagement with the visor 12 when the latter is in its inoperative position, as will be explained more in detail below. In addition, rear wall portion 15 is provided at its lower edge with an extension or flange 22 which is adapted to embrace the rear edge of the Teletype table top T1" shown in FIG. 1.

Continuing with FIG. 1, each end wall portion 16, 17 is provided on its outer surface with a recessed hand grip 23 to facilitate installation and removal of the shell, and the left end wall portion 17 is provided with a slot 24 for receiving the tape T of the reader mechanism R. 1

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of upper and lower clips 25 are preferably provided for insuring smooth passage of the tape T through slot 24. As will be seen below, the interior of shell 11 is lined with insulating material, and these clips-25 firmly compress the lining material against the rigid shell and provide a smooth surface -for the tape T, thereby preventing any interference with the movement of the latter through slot 24. While not shown, the slots 18 and 20 in rear wall portion 15 may also be provided with similar clips for facilitating passage of forms F.

Each end wall portion 16 and 17 is also provided at its lower edge with an integral extension or flange 26, as also seen in FIGS. 2-4, as Well as front and rear feet 27 and 28 respectively, projecting generally horizontally inwardly from their respective end wall portions.

In installing the shell 11 around the machine M, the feet 27, 28 rest on the upper surface of the machine table top TT, while the extensions or flanges 26 are adapted to engage the end surfaces of the table top TT, just as the extension or flange 22 on rear wall portion 15 engages the rear edge of the table top. In addition, the shell 11 is so designed that the lower ends of end wall portions 16, 17 will be sprung slightly outwardly apart to provide the desired engagement between the flanges 26 and the edges of the table top TI. Thus, the shell 11 is easily installed and firmly secured in place on the table top under tension, but without requiring any modification or alteration of either the machine M or the table top TT.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the top wall portion 14 and end wall portions 16, 17 are provided at their front junctures with a pair of front stops 30 which are preferably made of suitable rigid material such as sheet metal, are triangular in shape, and may be provided with suitable resilient material, such as cork, on their inner surfaces for cushioning engagement with visor 12 in its operative position, as will be explained more in detail below. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each stop is provided with an upper flange 31 and a lower flange 32, the former being secured to the upper wall portion 14 and the latter to the corresponding end wall portion, such as 16 or 17, by any suitable means such as cement.

Continuing with FIGS. 3 and 4, in order to reduce noise, especially the clatter type of noise referred to above, the shell 11 is provided with a lining of sound absorbing material such as polyurethane foam, which lining is secured thereto in any suitable manner, as by cement. This lining includes an upper sheet 33 which is cut to conform to the interior of the top wall portion 14, and a lower sheet 34 which is wrapped around the interior of shell 11 over end wall portions 16, 17 and rear wall portion .15. In addition, sheet 34 is provided with openings for rear stops 21 and corresponding to slots 18 and 20 in rear wall portion 15, and an opening corresponding to slot 24 in end wall portion 17.

It will now be seen that the shell 11 forms both an effective and efficient means for reducing various sounds produced by the operation of the machine M, including that portion of the clatter type of noise transmitted toward the upper, rear and end wall portions. At the same time, the top wall portion 14 and end wall portions 16, 17 cooperate to define a generally vertical front opening in shell 11, which opening is arranged to permit ready access to and normal operation of the machine M including "mserting and removing the forms F, and the tape T, as well as manipulation of the elements E.

The construction of visor 12 and its pivotal mounting on shell 11 will now be described, together with the noise reduction function of the visor, espectially in effectively reducing-that portion of the clatter type of noise transmitted toward the front opening by reflecting the same back into shell 11 Where it is absorbed by the lining therein.

As=shown in FIGS. l-4, the visor 12 is preferably made from a flat and horizontally elongated, generally rectangular sheet of suitable transparent and sound reflecting material such as acrylic resin. The visor 12 may also be provided with a similarly shaped but smaller tab 40 made of the same material, and pivotally mounted on the lower edge of the visor by means of hinges 41 and screws 42. a

The means 13 for pivotally mounting the visor 12 on shell 11 include a pair of triangularly shaped arms 43 made of suitable rigid material such as sheet metal, one arm being secured to each end of visor 12. Each arm 43 is provided at its wide base portion with an inturned flange 44 which is mounted on the inside surface of the visor by means of screws 45, and at its narrow apex portion 46, each arm is provided with a through opening 47.

Asbest shown in FIG. 5, the opening 47 in the apex portion 46 of each arm 43 is adapted to receive a pivot pin 48 having a head 5i) abutting one side or the inside surface of the arm apex portion, and at its other end, pin 48 is provided with an internally threaded, blind bore 5 1. To facilitate mounting of the arm on the corresponding end wall portion, such as 17, the sound absorbing sheet 34 is provided with an enlarged through opening 52 for receiving a bushing 53 which surrounds pivot pin 48 and abuts at one end against the other side or the outside surface of the apex portion 46 of arm 43, and at its other end abuts against the inside surface of end wall portion 17. This end wall portion is, in turn, provided with a small through opening 54 for receiving the externally threaded shank portion of a screw 55 which is threaded into the bore 51 in pin 48. In addition, between the head 56 of screw 55 and the outside of end wall portion 17 there is provided a washer 58.

Thus, when installed, the apex portion 46 of arm 43 can readily pivot about pin 48 between its head and the adjacent end of bushing 52, the pin being held fast to the end wall portion 17 by screw 55, and the bushing 52 maintaining the desired spacing between the apex portion 46 of the arm and the corresponding end wall portion, such as 17.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-3, the visor 12 is illustrated therein as being in its lower and generally vertical, operative position. In such position, the upper corners of the outer or front surface of visor 12 engage the inside of the front stops 30, and the visor closes the upper portion of the front opening. Thus, the visor 12 covers the platen and adjacent portions of the machine M while still permitting access to the machine, such as any necessary manipulation or adjustment of the punch and reader mechanism R and most important, normal operation of the machine, including manipulation of the elements E. In addition, it will be apparent that the operative position of the visor 12 in no way interferes with the movement of the forms F or the tape T.

While its presence is not absolutely necessary, the tab 40 may be turned into its lower and generally vertical, operative position partially closing the lower portion of the front opening, as well as partially covering the punch and reader mechanism R and the elements E. In such operative position, the tab further decreases the clatter type of noise, especially when the machine M is being used as a receiver, and a message is being electrically typed, as on the forms F. On the other hand, when it is desired to manipulate the elements E, for example, when sending a message, it is but a simple matter to pivot the tab 40 to its upper inoperative position against visor, such as shown in broken lines in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, the visor 12 is shown therein as being in its upper inoperative position, whereupon it engages the rear stops 21 at its upper edge. As will be apparent, when it is desired to move the visor out of the way into its inoperative position, such as to change or insert the forms F or to correct possible typing mistakes, it is but a simple matter for the operator to grasp the visor 12 and pivot it upwardly to its inoperative position. It is understood, of course, that if attached, the tab 40 will be pivoted to its upper inoperative position before so moving the visor 12, in order to clear the lower edge of front wall portion 14 and front stops 30, as shown in FIG. 4.

While not shown, the shell 11 is preferably provided with a light to illuminate the machine M, and such a light could be readily located and attached to the underside of top wall portion 14. In addition, one or both of the end wall portions 16, 17 could be provided at their front edges with one or more pins projecting horizontally into the front opening for engagement with the underside of visor 12 to permit location thereof at various positions intermediate the aforedescribed operative and inoperative positions.

It will now be seen how the invention accomplishes its various objects. For example, the shell 11 with its sound absorbing lining effectively reduces various sounds produced by the operation of the machine, especially the clatter type of sound, by absorbing the same. In addition the transparent visor 12, and also the tab 40, effectively reflect the clatter type of sound, whereby it is redirected into the shell 11 and is effectively absorbed by the lining therein. At the same time, the transparency of visor 12 and tab 40 permit the desired visual observation of the operation of the machine, and the structure of the visor and tab, even when in operative position permit ready access to and normal operation of the machine. In addition, the pivotal mounting of the visor is most effective in facilitating the desired movement of the visor, as are the front and rear stops in properly locating the visor in either its operative or inoperative position.

While the invention has been described and illustrated herein by reference to a single preferred embodiment, it

b is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An acoustical cabinet for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of an ofiice business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and having an opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine, and a transparent sound reflecting visor pivotally mounted on said shell for rotation from a lower operative position closing a portion of said opening to an upper inoperative position exposing said portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting manipulation of the elements and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen, the axis of such pivotal mounting being intermediate the vertical extent of said visor when in said operative position.

2. An acoustical cabinet for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of an office business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and having a generally vertical opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine, and a transparent sound reflecting visor pivotally mounted on said shell for rotation from a generally vertical operative position closing a portion of said opening to an inoperative position exposing said portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting manipulation of the elements and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen, the axis of such pivotal mounting being offset horizontally from said visor when in said operative position.

3. An acoustical cabinet for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of an oflice business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and having a generally vertical opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine, and a transparent sound reflecting visor pivotally mounted on said shell for rotation from a lower and generally vertical operative position closing an upper portion of said opening to an upper inoperative position exposing said upper portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting manipulation of the elements and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen, the axis of such pivotal mounting being intermediate the vertical extent of said visor when in said operative position and also being ofiset horizontally from said visor when in said operative position.

4. An acoustical cabinet for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of a table model ofiice business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and including a generally horizontal top wall portion, a generally vertical rear wall portion, and generally vertical end wall portions, said top and end wall portions forming a generally vertical opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine, and a generally flat, transparent sound reflect? ing Visor extending across said opening and having an outstanding arm at each end portion pivotally mounted on said end wall portions for rotating said visor from a lower and generally vertical operative position closing an upper portion of said opening to an upper inoperative position exposing said upper portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting, manipulationof the keys and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen.

5. An acoustical cabinet for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of a table model office business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and including a generally horizontal top wall portion, a generally vertical rear wall portion and generally vertical end wall portions, said top and end wall portions forming a generally vertical opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine, one of said top and end wall portions having stop means, and a generally flat, transparent sound refleeting visor extending across said opening and having an outstanding arm at each end portion pivotally mounted on said end wall portions for rotating said visor from a lower and generally vertical operative position in engagernent with said stop means and closing an upper portion of said opening to an upper inoperative position exp-osing said upper portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting manipulation of the keys and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen.

6. An acoustical cabinet for reducing noise and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of a table model office business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and including'a generally horizontal top wall portion, a generally vertical rear wall portion, and generally vertical end wall portions, said top and end wall portions forming a generally vertical opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine, one or" said top, rear and end wall'portions having stop means, and a generally flat," transparent sound reflecting visor extending across said opening and having an outstanding arm at each end portion pivotally mounted on said end wall portions for rotating said visor from a lower and generally vertical operative position closing an upper portion of said opening to an upper inoperative position in engagement with said stop means and exposing said upper portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting manipulationof the keys and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen.

7. An acoustical cabinet 'for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of a table model ofiice business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and including a generally horizontal top wall portion, a generally vertical rear wall portion and generally vertical end wall portions, said top and end wall portions forming a generally vertical opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine, one of said top and end Wall portions having first stop means, another of said top, rear and end wall portions having second stop means, and a generally flat, transparent sound reflecting visor extending across said opening and having an outstanding arm at each end por tion pivotally mounted on said end wall portions for rotating said visor from a lower and generally vertical operative position in engagement with said first stop means and closing an upper portion of said opening to an upper inoperative position in engagement with said second stop means and exposing said upper portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting manipulation of the keys and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen.

8. An acoustical cabinet for reducing noise, and especially the clatter type of noise produced by the operation of a table model ofiice business machine having a platen strikable by manipulating elements such as keys, said cabinet comprising a sound absorbing shell arranged to enclose the machine and including a generally horizontal top wall portion, a generally vertical rear wall portion, and generally vertical end wall portions, said top and end wall portions forming a generally vertical opening arranged to permit access to and normal operation of the machine and having a first pair of stops at their junctures forming said opening, said rear wall portion having a second pair of outstanding stops on its inner surface and spaced beneath said top wall portion adjacent said end portions, and a generally fiat, transparent sound retiecting visor extending across said opening and having an outstanding arm at each end portion arranged within and pivotally mounted on said end wall portions for rotating said visor from a lower and generally vertical operative position in engagement with said first pair of stops and closing an upper portion of said opening to an upper inv operative position in engagement with said second pair of stops and exposing said upper portion of said opening, said visor when in said operative position being arranged to cover the platen while permitting manipulation of the keys and when in said inoperative position being arranged to permit access to the platen.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,300,780 Rowan Apr. 15, 1919 1,713,594 Campbell May 21, 1929 1,749,177 Baxter et al. Mar. 4, 1930 2,223,196 Watkins Nov. 26, 1940 2,270,249 Birkrneyer Ian. 20, 1942 2,841,205 Bird July 1, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 278,196 Germany Sept. 22, 1914 

1. AN ACOUSTICAL CABINET FOR REDUCING NOISE, AND ESPECIALLY THE CLATTER TYPE OF NOISE PRODUCED BY THE OPERATION OF AN OFFICE BUSINESS MACHINE HAVING A PLATEN STRIKABLE BY MANIPULATING ELEMENTS SUCH AS KEYS, SAID CABINET COMPRISING A SOUND ABSORBING SHELL ARRANGED TO ENCLOSE THE MACHINE AND HAVING AN OPENING ARRANGED TO PERMIT ACCESS TO AND NORMAL OPERATION OF THE MACHINE, AND A TRANSPARENT SOUND REFLECTING VISOR PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID SHELL FOR ROTATION FROM A LOWER OPERATIVE POSITION CLOSING A PORTION OF SAID OPENING TO AN UPPER INOPERATIVE POSITION EXPOSING SAID PORTION OF SAID OPENING, SAID VISOR WHEN IN SAID OPERATIVE POSITION BEING ARRANGED TO COVER THE PLATEN WHILE PERMITTING MANIPULATION OF THE ELEMENTS AND WHEN IN SAID INOPERATIVE POSITION BEING ARRANGED TO PERMIT ACCESS TO THE PLATEN, THE AXIS OF SUCH PIVOTAL MOUNTING BEING INTERMEDIATE THE VERTICAL EXTENT OF SAID VISOR WHEN IN SAID OPERATIVE POSITION. 